Chapter 20: Chaoyang Sports Center

“At last, it’s finally over.” It was nearly noon by the time Zhao Jie’s family managed to break free. Agumon sat proudly in the backseat of the sedan, eyes glowing as he gazed hungrily at the piles of food stacked together.

To be treated this well the moment they returned to the city made Agumon more and more excited. He thought, I, Agumon, have found the path to riches! Is acting cute shameful? If I don’t act cute, there’s nothing good to eat. Only by acting adorable can I survive in this place. This is wonderful—I absolutely love it here.

Zhao Jie’s mother sent a photo of herself with Agumon to her social circle, and messages poured in continuously as she chatted with one friend after another all the way home. Only after they finally returned did she get a moment’s peace.

But just as Zhao Jie’s mother relaxed, his father began again, taking Agumon for a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood. Only as night fell did Agumon finally earn his reprieve.

Beep beep.

Zhao Jie lay on the bed, sorting through all his memories of Digimon lore, when a message popped up on his phone.

Liu Cheng: You’ve finally come out of seclusion. Shall we get together tomorrow?

Zhao Jie: How did you know I was back?

He’d only told his parents about his return and hadn’t expected Liu Cheng to be so well-informed.

Liu Cheng: I added your mom on BlogTalk. Didn’t she post a photo with Agumon? Congratulations on evolving Motimon to Agumon!

When a Digimon grows from the baby stage into the rookie stage, it means they’ve already set one foot into university. What remains is to focus on training the Digimon and boosting their combat power.

Zhao Jie: Haha, thanks, thanks! By the way, has your Betamon evolved yet?

He remembered Liu Cheng had chosen the Betamon evolution line, which was much tougher compared to Gomamon’s. He wondered if Liu Cheng, the notorious young master, had managed to evolve his Betamon.

Liu Cheng: It’s done! By the way, are you interested in having your Agumon spar with my Betamon?

A spar?

As soon as Zhao Jie read this, his eyes lit up. He had just been wondering where to find a training partner, and here Liu Cheng was, delivering himself to his door.

Zhao Jie: OK, see you tomorrow.

Once a Digimon enters the rookie stage, it must be trained for combat. Only those with outstanding battle prowess will make it into top universities during the entrance exams.

Moreover, Liu Cheng’s father was an accomplished private entrepreneur and would surely provide Betamon with the best resources. Betamon’s strength must be considerable.

With anticipation, Zhao Jie turned off the lights and drifted to sleep.

The next morning after breakfast, Zhao Jie took Agumon out. Just as they left the neighborhood, he saw Liu Cheng coming their way, Betamon perched sleepily on his shoulder.

“Hey, Agumon, I’m Liu Cheng. Do you remember me?”

Seeing Zhao Jie and Agumon, Liu Cheng jogged over, greeting Agumon enthusiastically.

Betamon, sprawled on Liu Cheng’s shoulder, rolled his eyes.

Foolish human, do you not know who your own Digimon is?

Of course I remember. How could I not? Wasn’t he the good buddy who always sneaked me snacks?

Agumon nodded slightly, but his large eyes were fixed on Betamon.

The two Digimon stared intently at each other.

Thinking back to that evening, to the bribery, Betamon’s eyes narrowed. I’m not the same Betamon as before. Past rankings were just child’s play.

Now, I, Betamon, the brains among Digimon, am going to rise up—I’ll be the boss today.

Sensing Betamon’s mood, Agumon’s expression shifted as well. His wide eyes seemed to say: So you’ve gotten cocky after evolving, little brother? Is it that I’m too old to wield the blade, or have your wings finally hardened?

“Shall we head to Chaoyang Gymnasium?” Zhao Jie and Liu Cheng, oblivious to the subtle exchange between their Digimon, discussed where to go. There weren’t many places for Digimon sparring, but Chaoyang Gymnasium was the largest arena in Wuling City they knew.

The gym wasn’t far. In just half an hour, the two boys and their Digimon arrived at the main entrance.

Only those with Digimon—Tamer candidates—were allowed entry. Both Zhao Jie and Liu Cheng were apprentice Tamers, so after the staff verified their identities, they were admitted without issue.

“Wow, Zhao Jie, look!” As they entered, the first sight that greeted them was a battle between two Digimon—a rookie Dorumon and its opponent, a rookie Kyubimon.

For Liu Cheng, who had only ever seen Digimon battles on television, this was a novel experience.

As for Zhao Jie, he’d long since grown accustomed—he’d been chased by a baby Greymon, hunted by a champion Digimon; the novelty had faded.

Swish!

This Dorumon was clearly on a power-based path, while Kyubimon relied on sheer speed, darting around to wear Dorumon down.

“Now’s your chance, Dorumon! Metal Cannon!”

One of the boys in the arena shouted. Dorumon hesitated but obeyed, unleashing its signature move in an attempt to catch Kyubimon.

“Dorumon’s lost,” Zhao Jie shook his head, eyeing the Dorumon with a hint of regret.

Dorumon was the rookie stage of Alphamon. To be honest, Zhao Jie had coveted it the moment he saw it. Dorumon’s evolution lines were few, but they were all ferocious, and it was easier to raise than Agumon. At least he wouldn’t have to worry about tough champion evolution requirements for now.

Does anyone get it? This is the leader of the Royal Knights! Enough said—may the partners who chose Dorumon never see prices rise at the market.

Agumon glanced at Dorumon in the arena, then looked up at Zhao Jie. Why did it feel a sense of danger?

Just as Zhao Jie predicted, Dorumon’s premature special attack gave Kyubimon the perfect opening to dodge with ease.

Kyubimon then unleashed its own move: Fox Leaf Dart.

Several leaves, sharp as knives, shot toward Dorumon.

Exhausted from the earlier attack, Dorumon collapsed beneath Kyubimon’s flurry.

The battle was over.

P.S.: Looks like the contract has gone through. From tomorrow, regular double updates will resume. If there are plenty of recommendations or generous patrons, there might be bonus chapters as well. But just to be clear, I’m writing two stories at once, so the pace may be slow, but I’ll never break my word.